Tribute to Peter Burgess

On the 5th September 2018, Peter Burgess lost his battle with cancer and said his last goodbyes. He will be long remembered by many people including staff, friends, family, colleagues, business associates, clients and golfing buddies.

Peter's connection to Hamilton Morello started back in the 70's at Union Accounting Services where he was to meet three of his future business partners - Paul Hamilton, Joe Morello and Bob Chapman. To this day, Hamilton Morello still has clients from the Union Accounting days. Peter, Paul and Bob, after various business associations, began business as Hamilton's Accountants. Meanwhile, Joe Morello started Morello & Co working with Geoff Mullane who then became Joe's business partner. After some time, and long lunches, the Hamilton's and Morello accounting firms decided they would be a much better business if they joined forces. They did this in 1992 and Hamilton Morello was formed.

Peter was a driving force within the Hamilton Morello business. He was what many would refer to as the “rain-maker”. He had this amazing ability to attract great clients and would also build life time friendships with these clients. It was not uncommon for Peter and his wife Ros to entertain clients at their home or go on holidays together with their families. Peter showed genuine care for his clients in all aspects of their lives. In the early days Peter would spend many days on the road in country Victoria travelling to places such as Warracknabeal, Horsham, Lakes Entrance and Shepparton visiting his clients. He did this for some 40 years and almost became part the family for many of these clients and he witnessed many generational changes first hand.

In the office Peter was the go to man. You would know Peter was in as you could hear his laugh and if you had a difficult situation that needed some “out of the box” thinking Peter always had a solution. He would be the guy that you would want in your corner.

Peter was also a great mentor to some of the current Hamilton Morello partners and staff. He paved the way and set a great example on how you should care for you clients and your business partners. He always made time to guide and lead the team he had working with him on his clients to make sure the business delivered great service under his watch. He has left an amazing legacy within our client base. Many of our current clients have a connection to Peter Burgess and we'll share stories with these clients for many years to come.

Peter really was a “once in lifetime” character. He will long be remembered as the guy who could “work hard and play hard”.

Fittingly, in our new offices, we have named the boardroom after Peter Burgess.